Mindfulness 101: Using Your Words

For some, being mindful may sound like a difficult thing to do. We're busy thinking about all of the things on our to-do lists, dreading going to work, or worrying about whether we have enough money, time, and energy to get through life. We're overloaded with burdens. You need to change your thoughts and your words and turn those things you "have" to do into things you "get" to do. See how that rings a bit different?

It's not hard to implement mindfulness in your life and learn to change your thoughts to the positive.

Change the way you say and see things

"I have to wash the dishes today." This sounds like a painful, annoying chore that you hate to do, even though you know you have to. To change the way you see things like chores, going to a job you may not be a fan of, or doing anything you don't enjoy, change the wording! It's that easy.

"I get to wash the dishes." I get to do this so I have a clean kitchen that doesn't smell like rotting food. Once I do this I have clean dishes to eat off of, and it's one less chore on my list of things to do.

You can also say "I want to." "I want to get the laundry done," instead of "I have to get the laundry done." Why? Because clean clothes smell nice, the laundry room floor will be clean again, and you'll be able to wear all your favorite clothing items again.

How does this make such a big change in your life? Once chores are happily done, you'll have more energy to do the things you want to do. If you do them begrudgingly with a bad attitude, it can drain your energy faster and make you want to crash once you get the chores done. Plus, if you're like me, spending too much time thinking of all of the things you need to get done is draining, and then you're out of energy before you even stand up and start working.

By getting things done when they need to be done, without dwelling on the downside of it, you leave yourself with more energy that can lead to more positivity ... because not only are you getting your least favorite chores done and out of the way, you're also allowing yourself to hold onto some of your energy for the other, less daunting, things in your life -- like fun! Whether you're a hobbyist, a parent (or pet parent), a spouse or partner, or you simply like some time to yourself doing nothing, that positive free time comes in handy.

Start using affirmations

I will never not suggest people use affirmations as a way to be more mindful and positive. There are so many positive benefits of using affirmations -- and they're not just something for guided meditations, even though those are amazing as well.

In case you don't yet know what an affirmation is, it's basically stating something positive about yourself, your goals, or your life. In a sense, it's seeing the silver lining on every dark cloud and seeing the glass half full instead of half empty.

In the most simplistic definition that I can come up with, affirmations are positive statements used to combat negative thoughts. They push you toward goals and keep you from getting swallowed by negative thoughts. They can help with anxiety and depression, they can help you let go of bad habits, and they can assist you in getting through rough patches and bad days.

Affirmations work -- I am living proof of that. However, you have to have faith, which many people struggle with. The use of affirmations highly leans into the practice of the Law of Attraction -- so, if you don't believe that your thoughts become things, then they probably won't.

To step into the world of affirmation building, you simply need to start with "I am." Follow that with what you want to achieve. Keep it positive and always use the present tense. My favorite affirmation is, "I am driven and I am a success." These seven words push me to keep moving forward even when times are tough. Even when I feel like a failure and have no motivation, these words remind me of who I am and what I want in life.

If you struggle with social anxiety, use something like, "I am confident in who I am and the people around me see that." Depression? "I am progressing into a happier mood, patience is the key."

I like to write my affirmations on sticky notes and put them around my home where I can see them. If it's an affirmation about eating healthier, put it on the fridge, stove, and cupboard. If it's an affirmation about work, put it in your vehicle and by your work desk. Each time you see the note, repeat the words out loud or in your head. Any time you're feeling discouraged, say your affirmations to help you turn things around.